Soy Protein and Whey Protein for WomenThe benefits of both soy protein and whey protein for women have been getting a lot of attention in recent years. While both are proteins, provide amino acids, and are an important source of energy, other benefits of the two types can vary greatly. Issues such as your current lifestyle, family history, and age may all have some impact on the benefits you're seeking from your diet. Here's a breakdown of the benefits of each.
Benefits of Soy ProteinRegardless of your age or health, there are a number of benefits for women who consume soy protein. If you want to effectively deal with hot flashes, keep your bones strong, prevent some forms of cancer, or lower your cholesterol levels, try to include some soy protein in your daily diet. Here's why.
Soy protein contains plant estrogen. When you ingest soy protein, the plant estrogen acts in the same way as naturally produced estrogen. More estrogen in your body means fewer problems with hot flashes. Even if you're not worried about hot flashes or menopause quite yet, you've still got a lot to gain from soy protein.
Most of us are aware that osteoporosis is a common problem for women as they get older. Since soy protein contains calcium, it helps to keep bones strong. In addition, soy protein contains isoflavones, which may help prevent bone density loss. If you're young that might seem like a problem for down the road. Not exactly.
Some studies point to soy protein as being beneficial to young women as a strategy to prevent breast cancer. Phytoestrogens present in soy protein appear to block elevated levels of estrogen from reaching hormone receptors. These results, although promising, are not meant to take the place of regular self-exams. However, if any one in your family has ever had breast cancer, this may be the ounce of prevention you're looking for.
There is a clear link between cholesterol levels and heart disease. Even though most of us associate it with men, women are also affected by it. In fact, heart disease is one of the greatest causes of death for women in the United States. Consuming soy protein will lower your LDL (also known as bad) cholesterol. This strategy works as a preventive measure for women who have not yet been diagnosed with heart disease as well. That's why having a good knowledge of your family health history is so important
Benefits of Whey ProteinWhey protein also has health benefits for women. If you have high blood pressure, live with osteoporosis, want to improve your immune system, or prevent cancer then try to include whey protein in your diet.
You can use whey protein to bring your blood pressure down and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. Whey protein will also help you build lean muscle and burn fat which may help with weight loss. This strategy makes sense, since being overweight also increases your risk of having a heart attack or a stroke. Weight problems and associated disease, like heart issues and diabetes, are a greater problem than every in history. Most doctors agree that this is mainly due to diet and exercise habits.
If you are one of the many women who are living with osteoporosis, then you are certainly not alone. More than 50 percent of women who are 65 years of age or older are affected by this condition. Take whey protein to keep your bones and muscles strong.
A Whey a DayTo stay healthy, you need to have an effective immune system. Remember the old adage about an apple a day keeping the doctor away? Consider this. Whey protein will give your immune system a boost and help to prevent infections. It contains an antioxidant necessary for a healthy immune system.
Cancer prevention is also associated with whey protein. Antioxidants are credited with helping to prevent many forms of cancer and are highly recommended by doctors. Not only have some studies shown that consuming whey protein leads to shrinking of some cancer tumors, but it can stop cancer cells in their tracks. Again, take a look at your family history and decide how big a concern this is in your life.
Now that you are familiar with the many benefits to taking soy protein or whey protein on a regular basis, you will want to go to the store and pick some up. Try to evaluate your current health needs, the benefits you're seeking, and match those up with the right foods or supplements. By incorporating these into your diet sooner, rather than later, you can reap the benefits of soy protein for women. |